40 years of Umkhosi Womhlanga

The Umkhosi Womhlanga (Reed Dance) is being held at the Enyokeni Royal Palace in KwaNongoma, KwaZulu-Natal. Umkhosi Womhlanga will celebrate 40 years since its reinstatement by the late King Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu. The traditional Zulu Reed Dance is an annual event hosted by the AmaZulu King. More than 40 000 maidens from across the country and neighbouring states are expected to attend the Reed Dance ceremony this year. Zulu maidens are encouraged to abstain from sexual activities until they are married. Each maiden will carry a reed, cut by the riverbed which symbolizes the power that is vested in nature. The reeds reflect a deep mythical connection with the origin of the Zulu people, where, tradition tells us, the original ancestor emerged from a reed bed. For more news, visit sabcnews.com and #SABCNews on all Social Media platforms.